What Is Microencapsulated Natural Astaxanthin (Water-Dispersible Beadlet/Powder)? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications
Last updated: 2026-11-14 · CAS 472-61-7 · Food Grade
- Quick facts
- Name
- Microencapsulated Natural Astaxanthin (Water-Dispersible Beadlet/Powder)
- CAS number
- 472-61-7
- Grade
- Food Grade
- Certifications
- ISO 9001 · ISO 22000 · HACCP · FSSC 22000 · Kosher · Halal · FDA GRAS support · Non-GMO
- Application areas
- 6
- Documentation
- COA · TDS · SDS
Overview
Astaxanthin Microencapsulated Powder, also known as Astaxanthin Microcapsule Powder, refers to a powdered product made by encapsulating natural astaxanthin as the core material within food-grade wall materials (such as sodium starch octenylsuccinate, maltodextrin, gum arabic, etc.) using microencapsulation technology. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with the chemical formula C40H52O4, molecular weight of 596.90 g/mol, and CAS number 472–61–7.Astaxanthin is widely found in Haematococcus pluvialis, Phaffia yeast, krill, and other organisms, and is one of the strongest natural antioxidants in nature. The antioxidant capacity of natural astaxanthin is approximately 550–1000 times that of vitamin E. The core value of Astaxanthin Microencapsulated Powder lies in its ability to solve the application bottlenecks of natural astaxanthin—poor water solubility, low stability, and low bioavailability—through microencapsulation technology. Microencapsulated astaxanthin improves its water solubility and stability, making its stability and efficacy far superior to ordinary astaxanthin powder. Astaxanthin Microencapsulated Powder is mainly divided into natural astaxanthin microencapsulated powder (derived from Haematococcus pluvialis extract) and synthetic astaxanthin microencapsulated powder (derived from chemically synthesized astaxanthin).Natural astaxanthin microencapsulated powder is rich in 100% L-isomer (all-trans) astaxanthin with the strongest biological activity.
Astaxanthin Microencapsulated Powder possesses multiple unique performance advantages:
Astaxanthin is the strongest antioxidant discovered in nature for inhibiting free radical absorption in the human body. Its biological antioxidant capacity is 100–500 times stronger than vitamin E and more than 10 times stronger than carotene. Astaxanthin Microencapsulated Powder inherits the super antioxidant activity of astaxanthin, capable of capturing and eliminating free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress damage to cells.
Applications
Dietary Supplements
Antioxidant, eye-health, immune and cardiovascular capsules, tablets and soft candies.
Functional Foods & Beverages
Cold-water-dispersible solid beverages, meal-replacement powders, compressed candies, dairy and baked goods.
Cosmetics & Skincare
Anti-aging, whitening and antioxidant serums, creams and masks (GB/T 43777 HPLC grade).
Aquaculture Feed
Flesh/skin pigmentation for salmon, trout, shrimp and ornamental fish; pelleting-stable beadlets.
Layers & Eggs
Promotes astaxanthin deposition in egg yolk and improves egg quality in layer feed.
Pharma & Premix
Functional pharmaceutical excipient use and standardized antioxidant premix formulations.
Specification
| Type | Astaxanthin Content Specification | Main Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Applications | ||
| Low-Content Microencapsulated Powder | 1%, 1.5% | Good water dispersibility, lower cost |
| General foods, beverages | ||
| Medium-Content Microencapsulated Powder | 2%, 2.5%, 3% | Good water dispersibility, wide application |
| Health foods, dietary supplements, solid beverages | ||
| High-Content Microencapsulated Powder | 5%, 10% | High content, deep color |
| Premium health foods, cosmetics | ||
| Feed-Grade Microencapsulated Powder | 2%–10% | Process-resistant, good stability |
| Aquatic feed, livestock and poultry feed | ||
| 3.3 Typical Technical Specifications | Parameter | Specification Range |
| Test Method | ||
| Appearance | Red or dark red uniform powder | Visual |
| Astaxanthin Content | 1%–10% (depending on specification) | FCC-HPLC |
| Moisture | ≤5%–6% | GB 5009.3 |
| Ash | ≤5% | GB 5009.4 |
| Lead | ≤0.8 mg/kg | GB 5009.12 |
| Arsenic | ≤0.3–1.0 mg/kg | GB 5009.11 |
| Mercury | ≤0.1 mg/kg | GB 5009.17 |
| Cadmium | ≤1.0 mg/kg | GB 5009.15 |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1000 CFU/g | GB 4789.2 |
| Yeasts and Molds | ≤50–100 CFU/g | GB 4789.15 |
| Coliforms | ≤0.43–10 MPN/CFU/g | GB 4789.3 |
| Salmonella | Not detected | GB 4789.4 |
| 3.4 Recommended Dosage/Intake |
Packaging & Storage
- Bulk packing: 25 kg net export fiber drum or kraft paper bag with food-grade PE liner; 1,000 kg jumbo bag on request for feed grades.
- Small packing: 1 kg / 5 kg aluminum-foil bag, vacuum or nitrogen-flushed for high-content and cosmetic grades.
- Sample: 100–500 g free sample available for qualified customers.
- Storage: Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protected from light, heat, oxygen and moisture.
- Shelf Life: 24 months from production date in original sealed packaging; use promptly after opening.
Quality & Certifications
Manufactured under GMP conditions; every batch released against HPLC assay and full QC testing with a batch Certificate of Analysis (COA). TDS, SDS, COO and third-party CNAS/CMA reports provided.
Regulatory & Compliance
China
Haematococcus pluvialis approved as New Food Raw Material (2010, ≤0.8 g/day, excluding infant food); complies with GB/T 30893-2024, QB/T 5948-2023 and GB 2760-2024.
USA
Natural astaxanthin supported by FDA GRAS status for dietary-supplement and food use; cGMP documentation available.
European Union
Astaxanthin authorized as a food-additive colorant E161j; EU food-supplement compliance statements provided.
Feed Grade
Feed-grade 10% astaxanthin conforms to GB/T 23745-2009; suitable for salmonid, shrimp and ornamental-fish pigmentation.
Safety & Handling
- Hazard Class: Generally non-hazardous. Refer to SDS for details.
- Storage: Room temperature, dry, sealed. Avoid strong oxidizers.
- Transport: Non-dangerous goods. Standard sea/air freight.
- SDS: Available on request at sales@xadditive.cn.
Frequently asked questions
MOQ?
MOQ is 1kg for trial, 25kg for regular orders. Free samples available.
Shelf life?
24 months from production date when stored properly.
Certifications?
ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, FAMI-QS, Kosher, Halal, COA, SDS, TDS.
How to get quote?
Email sales@xadditive.cn with your requirement. Reply within 30 minutes.
Request a quote & COA
Ask for the current specification sheet, a COA sample and a bulk quotation — reply within 30 minutes on working days.